Methodology for image synchronization to video imaging devices

ABSTRACT

A system and method for synchronizing two or more display elements of a multiple element display, is disclosed. The method includes embedding a frame count signal into the blanking portion of a video frame for each data stream received by the multiple display elements. Upon displaying the pixel data from a video frame, a frame count signal containing an identifying frame count is transmitted back to the computer. The computer compares the frame count signals to determine if the multiple display elements are synchronized. Upon a determination that the multiple display elements are not synchronized, the data stream for one or more display elements are adjusted accordingly. The system may be configurated as a federated system with two or more computers each communicatively coupled to each display element in a hierarchal system, where a secondary computer can control a display element if the primary computer or primary computer link fails.

BACKGROUND

Large Area Displays (LADs), such as those used in the cockpits ofaircraft, are often configured as two or more independent displays, ordisplay elements, implemented on a common substrate. LADs do not have abreak or mullion between these independent displays, allowing seamlessimagery to be presented on the LAD, with different portions of thevisual signal sent to each independent display simultaneously andsynchronously to each other. Because each independent display has aspecific driver delivering the specific portion of each image, theimages from these independent displays may occasionally becomeasynchronous, where one independent display is a few frames in front of,or behind, another display. This is particularly true in federatedsystems where a LAD may couple to multiple computers, each capable ofdriving signals to one or more independent displays. An LAD withasynchronous independent displays will present an unpleasant jitteringimage to the user. Resetting an LAD may involve restarting the LADsystem, which may be impractical or impossible during flight. Therefore,it is desirable to provide a system or method that checks for andresolves LAD asynchronicity.

SUMMARY

A system is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the system includes adisplay configured to display an image. In one or more embodiments, thedisplay includes a first display element communicatively coupled to afirst computer. In one or more embodiments, the first display element isconfigured to receive a first video signal of a first video stream. Inone or more embodiments, the first video stream includes first pixeldata and first frame count data. In one or more embodiments, the firstdisplay element is further configured to transmit the first frame countdata. In one or more embodiments, the display includes a second displayelement coupled to the first computer. In one or more embodiments, thesecond display element is configured to receive a second video signal ofa second video stream. In one or more embodiments, the second videosignal includes second pixel data and second frame count data. In one ormore embodiments, the second display element is configured to transmitthe second frame count data. In one or more embodiments, the first framecount data is correlated to the second frame count data. In one or moreembodiments, the first pixel data and the second pixel data compriseimage data that, when imaged on the display and the first frame countdata and the second frame count data are equivalent, displays the image.In one or more embodiments, the system includes a first computer thatincludes one or more processors and a memory. In one of moreembodiments, the memory includes instructions stored thereon. In one ormore embodiments, the instructions, upon execution by the one or moreprocessors, cause the one or more processors to generate the first videosignal and the second video signal, transmit the first video signal tothe first display element, transmit the second video signal to thesecond display element, receive the first frame count data from thefirst display element, receive the second frame count data from thesecond display element; compare the first frame count data to the secondframe count data, and adjust at least one of the first video stream orthe second video stream if the first frame count data and the secondframe count data are not equivalent.

In some embodiments of the system, the system further includes a secondcomputer communicatively coupled to the first display element and thesecond display element. In one or more embodiments, the second computeris configured to: transmit the first video signal to the first displayelement; transmit the second video signal to the second display element,receive the first frame count data from the first display element; andreceive the second frame count data from the second display element. Inone or more embodiments, the system further includes a cross-talk busconfigured to communicatively couple the first computer to the secondcomputer

In some embodiments, first video signal is configured to arrange into afirst frame. In one or more embodiments, the first frame includes anactive pixel area configured to include the first pixel data, and ablanking region configured to include the first frame count data.

In some embodiments, the blanking region comprises: a horizontal backporch, a horizontal front porch, a vertical front porch; and, a verticalback porch. In one or more embodiments, the first frame count data isincluded in at least one of the horizontal back porch, the horizontalfront porch, the vertical front porch, or the vertical back porch.

In one or more embodiments, the first blanking region includes avertical back porch that includes the first frame count data.

In some embodiments, wherein the frame count data includes a framenumber.

In some embodiments, the frame number is based on an 8-bit frame countword size.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to utilize a ARINC 818 orSMPTE 292M video format.

In some embodiments, the system further includes spectacles configuredwith optical shutters synchronized with the first display element andthe second display element. In some embodiments, the spectacles arefurther configured to confer a three-dimensional image to a user basedon a synchronicity of the optical shutters with the first displayelement and the second display element.

In some embodiments, the second computer is activated upon a malfunctionof the first computer.

A method to synchronize a display configured with two display elementsis also disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the method includesgenerating first pixel data for a frame of a first video signal andsecond pixel data for a frame of a second video signal. In one or moreembodiments, the first video signal and the second video signal aresynchronized. In one or more embodiments, the method further includesstoring synchronized frame count data into a blanking region of eachframe. In one or more embodiments, the method further includestransmitting the first video signal to a first display element and thesecond video signal to a second display element. In one or moreembodiments, the method further includes displaying the pixel data onthe first display element and the second display element. In one or moreembodiments, the method further includes transmitting the frame countsignals from the first display element and the second display element toa first computer or second computer. In one or more embodiments, themethod further includes comparing the frame count data and determiningif the first display element and the second display elements aresynchronous. In one or more embodiments, the method further includesadjusting at least one of a first video stream or a second video streamif the first display element and the second display element are notsynchronous.

In some embodiments of the method, the blanking region comprises ahorizontal back porch, a horizontal front porch, a vertical front porch,and a vertical back porch. In one or more embodiments, the first framecount data is included in at least one of the horizontal back porch, thehorizontal front porch, the vertical front porch, or the vertical backporch.

In some embodiments of the method, comparing frame count data includescomparing frame count data received on the first computer with framecount data received on the second computer.

In some embodiments of the method, the second computer is activated upona malfunction of the first computer.

In some embodiments of the method, the method further includessynchronizing the first display element and the second display elementto a pair of optical shutters.

This Summary is provided solely as an introduction to subject matterthat is fully described in the Detailed Description and Drawings. TheSummary should not be considered to describe essential features nor beused to determine the scope of the Claims. Moreover, it is to beunderstood that both the foregoing Summary and the following DetailedDescription are example and explanatory only and are not necessarilyrestrictive of the subject matter claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances inthe description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.Various embodiments or examples (“examples”) of the present disclosureare disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In general,operations of disclosed processes may be performed in an arbitraryorder, unless otherwise provided in the claims. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for synchronizing video streams ona display configured with multiple display elements, in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for synchronizing video streams ona display configured with multiple display elements using a firstcomputer and a second computer in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system illustrating the organization ofsignals sent between two displays the first computer, and the secondcomputer, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a video frame based on a received video signal ofa video stream, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a table describing a set of data parameters based onthe number of bits used to store a frame count number, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for synchronizing a display configured withtwo display elements, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining one or more embodiments of the disclosure in detail,it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in theirapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents or steps or methodologies set forth in the followingdescription or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detaileddescription of embodiments, numerous specific details may be set forthin order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure.However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of the instant disclosure that the embodiments disclosedherein may be practiced without some of these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoidunnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure.

As used herein a letter following a reference numeral is intended toreference an embodiment of the feature or element that may be similar,but not necessarily identical, to a previously described element orfeature bearing the same reference numeral (e.g., 1, 1 a, 1 b). Suchshorthand notations are used for purposes of convenience only and shouldnot be construed to limit the disclosure in any way unless expresslystated to the contrary.

Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to aninclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or Bis satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B isfalse (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (orpresent), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of “a” or “an” may be employed to describe elements andcomponents of embodiments disclosed herein. This is done merely forconvenience and “a” and “an” are intended to include “one” or “at leastone,” and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obviousthat it is meant otherwise.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “someembodiments” means that a particular element, feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment disclosed herein. The appearances of thephrase “in some embodiments” in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodimentsmay include one or more of the features expressly described orinherently present herein, or any combination of sub-combination of twoor more such features, along with any other features which may notnecessarily be expressly described or inherently present in the instantdisclosure.

A system for synchronizing independent display elements within an LAD isdisclosed. The system includes at least one processor that drives two ormore independent video streams to two or more independent displayelements, with the video streams together capable of forming a wholeimage. Before the video signal of the video streams are sent to eachdisplay element, frame count data is embedded into each frame of video.Once the video stream is displayed, the frame count data from all of thedisplays are sent back to at least one of the processors. The framecount data is then compared to ensure that the displayed images aresynchronized. If the frame count data determines that the displayedimages are not synchronized, then the system will adjust the videostreams of one or more of the display elements accordingly.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for synchronizing videostreams on a display 104 configured with multiple display elements (afirst display element 108 a and a second display element 108 b), inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The firstdisplay element 108 a and the second display element 108 b each receivea portion of the video stream in the form of video signals (e.g., afirst video signal 112 a and a second video signal 112 b, respectively)from a respective video driver 116 a-b of a first computer 120 (e.g., aprimary computer). The first computer 120 includes a controller 124configured to provide processing functionality for the system 100,including generating and/or modifying the video stream sent by eachvideo driver 116 a-b. As each frame of the video stream is beingdisplayed on the first display element 108 a and the second displayelement 108 b, a respective return data signal (e.g., a first framecount signal 126 a and a second frame count signal 126 b) is sent fromthe first display element 108 a and the second display element 108 b tothe controller 124. The controller 124 includes one or more processors128, memory 132, and a communication interface 136.

The one or more processors 128 may include any processor or processingelement known in the art. For the purposes of the present disclosure,the term “processor” or “processing element” may be broadly defined toencompass any device having one or more processing or logic elements(e.g., one or more micro-processor devices, one or more applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) devices, one or more fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), or one or more digital signalprocessors (DSPs)). In this sense, the one or more processors 128 mayinclude any device configured to execute algorithms and/or instructions(e.g., program instructions stored in memory). In one embodiment, theone or more processors 128 may be embodied as a desktop computer,mainframe computer system, workstation, image computer, parallelprocessor, networked computer, or any other computer system configuredto execute a program configured to operate or operate in conjunctionwith the system 100, as described throughout the present disclosure.Moreover, different subsystems of the system 100 may include a processoror logic elements suitable for carrying out at least a portion of thesteps described in the present disclosure. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be interpreted as a limitation on the embodimentsof the present disclosure but merely as an illustration.

The memory 132 can be an example of tangible, computer-readable storagemedium that provides storage functionality to store various data and/orprogram code associated with operation of the controller 124 and/orother components of the system 100, such as software programs and/orcode segments, or other data to instruct the controller and/or othercomponents to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, thememory 132 can store data, such as a program of instructions foroperating the system 100 or other components. It should be noted thatwhile a single memory 132 is described, a wide variety of types andcombinations of memory 132 (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memory) canbe employed. The memory 132 can be integral with the controller, cancomprise stand-alone memory, or can be a combination of both. Someexamples of the memory 132 can include removable and non-removablememory components, such as a programmable logic device, random-accessmemory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory (e.g., a securedigital (SD) memory card, a mini-SD memory card, and/or a micro-SDmemory card), solid-state drive (SSD) memory, magnetic memory, opticalmemory, universal serial bus (USB) memory devices, hard disk memory,external memory, and so forth.

The communication interface 136 can be operatively configured tocommunicate with components of the controller 124 and other componentsof the system 100. For example, the communication interface 136 can beconfigured to retrieve data from the controller 124 or other components,transmit data for storage in the memory 132, retrieve data from storagein the memory 132, and so forth. The communication interface 136 canalso be communicatively coupled with controller 124 and/or systemelements to facilitate data transfer between system components.

The display 104 may be formed of any type of display elements 108 a-bincluding but not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD) (e.g., alight-emitting diode (LED) backlit LCD, a thin-film resistor (TFT) LCD,or a quantum dot (OLED) display), an LED display (e.g., organiclight-emitting diode (OLED) display, or active-matrix OLED (AMOLED))display, a cathode ray tube display, a digital light processing (DLP)display, a plasma display panel (PDP), or a microLED display. Thedisplay 104 may be configured as any size or shape. For example, thedisplay 104 may be configured as a large area displays (LAD). Forinstance, the display 104 may be configured as an LAD used in aircraftcockpits.

The display 104 may include have any number of video elements 108. Forexample, the display 104 may include two video elements 108. In anotherexample, the display 104 may include four video elements 108. In anotherexample, the display 104 may include 8 video elements 108. The system100 itself may include any number of displays 104. For example, thesystem 100 may include two displays 104 (e.g., for both a pilot and aco-pilot), In another example, the system 100 may include 100 displays(e.g., for each passenger).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 200 for synchronizing videostreams on a display 104 configured with multiple display elements 108a-b using a first computer 120 and a second computer 204 (e.g.,secondary computer) in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. The system 200 may include one or more, or all components ofthe system 100 and vice versa. For example, the second computer 204 maybe configured with one or more, or all, components of the first computer120 including but not limited to a controller 124 (e.g., with one ormore processors 128, memory 132, and a communication interface 136), andvideo drivers 116 a-b. The second computer 204 may also be configured toperform one or more, or all the functions of the first computer 120 andvice-versa. For example, the second computer 204 may be configured totransmit the first video signal 112 a and the second video signal 112 bto the respective display elements 108 a-b, as well as receive therespective frame count signals 126 a-b from the respective displayelements 108 a-b.

In embodiments, the system 200 further includes a cross talk bus 208configured to communicatively couple the first computer 120 to thesecond computer 204, and configured to synchronize communication signalsso that both the first computer 120 and the second computer 204 arecapable of driving the same video signals to the specific displayelements 108 a-b. The cross-talk bus 208 may utilize any type ofcommunication medium (e.g., ethernet cable) or protocol to transfer databetween the first computer 120 and the second computer 204. In thismanner, the system 200 is configured as a federated and/or hierarchalcomputer system, with multiple display elements 108 a-b each undercontrol by a redundant set of computers 120, 204. For example, if thedisplay 104 is initially under control of the first computer 120 (e.g.,the primary computer), and the communication between the first computer120 and the first display element 108 a is subsequently severed, thesecond computer 204 can take over, with communication along thecross-talk bus 208 ensuring that each display element 108 a-b isreceiving a signals, and that the signal is synchronized with the restof the display 104 (e.g., the second computer is activated (e.g.,performing the functions of the first computer) upon a malfunction ofthe first computer.)

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system 300, illustrating the organizationof signals sent between two displays 104 a-b, the first computer 120,and the second computer 204, in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the disclosure. System 300 may include one or more, or all componentsof systems 100, 200, and vice versa. Display 104 a includes videoelements 108 a-b, each receiving respective video signals 112 a-b fromthe first computer 120 and the second computer 204. The video elements108 a-b also transmit respective frame count signals 126 a-b to thefirst computer 120 and the second computer 204. Concurrently, display104 b includes video elements 108 a(1) 108 b(1), each receivingrespective video signals 112 a(1), 112 b(1) from the first computer 120and the second computer 204. The video elements 108 a(1) 108 b(1), alsotransmit respective frame count signals 126 a(1), 126 b(1) to the firstcomputer 120 and the second computer 204.

Each display 104 a-b may receive identical or nonidentical video signals112 a-b, 112 a(1), 112 b(1), depending on the circumstance orenvironment of the system 300. For example, the video signals 112 a-b,112 a(1), 112 b(1) sent to the displays 104 a-b of a pilot and copilot(e.g., such as for presenting navigation information) may be identical,requiring that the first computer 120 and the second computer 204 notonly ensure that the video elements 108 a-b, 108 a(1), 108 b(1) withineach display 104 a-b are synchronized, but also that the displays 104a-b themselves are synchronized. For systems 100 with displays 104 a-bused for multiple purposes (e.g., each display 104 a-b displayingdifferent video streams), the system 300 may only need to ensure thatvideo elements 108 a-b, 108 a(1), 108 b(1) within each display 104 a-bare synchronized.

As described herein, the first computer 120 may be designated as aprimary computer. That is, the video signals 112 a-b, 112 a(1), 112 b(1)sent to the displays 104 a-b are initially transmitted from the firstcomputer 120, with the second computer only sending signals to the oneor more displays 104 a-b when a fault or error has been detected. Thedesignation of the first computer 120 as the primary computer may not bea permanent setting. For example, the second compute 204 may beconfigured as the primary computer. In another example, the firstcomputer 120 and second computer 204 may act as a primary computer forspecific displays 104 a-b or specific video elements 108 a-b, 108 a(1),108 b(1). For instance, the first computer 120 may act as the primarycomputer for one display 104 a, while the second computer 204 may act asthe primary computer for the other display 104 b. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be interpreted as a limitation on the embodimentsof the present disclosure but merely as an illustration.

In embodiments, the video signals 112 a-b, 112 a(1), 112 b(1) containpixel data and frame count data. Pixel data includes data to be imagedon the display 104 a-b. Frame count data includes a frame identificationand/or a frame number that is sent from the displays 104 a-b to thefirst computer 120 and second computer 204 as frame count signals 126a-b, 126 a(1), 126 b(1).

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a frame 400 based on a received video signal 112a-b, 112 a(1), 112 b(1) of a video stream, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure (e.g., the data from the video streamis arranged into a frame form). The pixel data 404 accounts for themajority of the data, or area, used within the video frame, and is oftenreferred to as the active pixel area (e.g., the first active pixelarea). Surrounding the pixel data 404 are non-visualized data fieldsused for ensuring correct placement and synchronization of the pixeldata. This “blanking region” includes: a vertical back porch 408 and avertical front porch 412, used to ensure correct vertical placement ofthe pixel data 404 on the display 104 a-b; a horizontal front porch 416and a horizontal back porch 420, used to ensure correct horizontal ofthe pixel data 404 on the display 104 a-b; and a horizontalsynchronizing signal 424 and a vertical synchronizing signal 428 usedfor timing. The vertical synchronization signal 428 indicates that aframe 400 of video has ended and the next data received will be thestart of a new frame 400. The horizontal synchronizing signal 424indicates that a row of data has ended and the next data received willbe the start of a new row.

Blanking regions has been used for several decades for ensuring correctplacement of pixel data on a display 104 a-b. While data within theseblanking regions are required for correct pixel data placement andtiming, some blanking regions contain data content that is not criticalfor function. This ‘filler’ data provides space in a buffer region thatassists in pixel data placement, but may not need to be critical codingdata. This filler space within the blanking regions may then be used toadd data necessary for synchronizing the display elements 108 a-b, 108a(1), 108 b(1). The vertical back porch 408, the vertical front porch412, the horizontal front porch 416, and the horizontal back porch 420in particular contain storage space where frame count data (e.g., frameidentification and/or frame count) can be stored/embeddedpre-transmittal by the first computer 120 and/or second computer 204.For example, the first computer 120 may write the frame count numberonto the vertical back porch. Upon receiving the video signals 112 a-b,112 a(1), 112 b(1) containing the stored frame count data, the displays104 a-b may then transmit the frame count data as frame count signals126 a-b, 126 a(1), 126 b(1) back to the first computer 120 and/or secondcomputer 204. The received frame count data may then be processed todetermine whether the frames 400 displayed by the display elements 108a-b, 108 a(1), 108 b(1) are in sync.

The amount of storage space required to store frame count data isdependent on the number of frames 400 that need to be labeled with aframe identifier or frame count number. The number of frames 400 thatneed to be labeled is also dependent on the rate that frames 400 aredisplayed and the potential time interval system 300 may become out ofsync. FIG. 5 illustrates a table 500 describing a set of data parametersbased on the number of bits (e.g., frame count word size 504) used tostore the frame count number, in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the disclosure. For example, a frame count system with an 8-bit framecount word size has a frame count limit 508 of 256 frames (e.g., oneframe labeled with a specific binary number in an 8-bit system). Byconsidering a commonly used frame update rate 512 of 60 hz, orconversely, a 0.0167 s frame update period 516, a frame count rollovertime 520 (e.g., the time for all 256 frames 400 of an 8-bit word countsize 504 to be displayed) would be 4.267 seconds. Therefore, a system300 that is rarely out of synchronization more than four seconds, couldstore a frame count word size of 8-bits for synchronizing displayelements 108 a-b, 108 a(1), 108 b(1).

The frame count word size 504 may be increased for any display system asneeded. For example, the frame count word size 504 for the system 100may range from 1-bit to 16 bits. For instance, for a system utilizing a60 Hz frame update rate 512 and requiring a 10-minute frame countrollover time 520, a 16-bit system may be used, resulting in 65,536frames 400 individually label with a specific frame count number, andoffering a 10.2-minute frame count rollover time 520. In anotherinstance, a display 104 a-b with a 240 Hz update rate would require theuse of a 10-bit frame count word size in order to individually label1024 frames 400 with a specific frame count number, which would resultin a 4.267 frame count rollover time 520.

The transmitting of the frame count data from the display 104 a-b to thefirst computer 120 and/or second computer 204 can be performed using anytype of data transmit componentry and/or protocol. For example, theframe count data may be outputted from the display elements 108 a-b, 108a(1), 108 b(1) at the same time that the pixel data 404 is displayed,and routed to the first computer 120 and/or second computer via anethernet connection, or a USB connection (e.g., via the cross-talk bus208). In some embodiments, the cross-talk bus 208 is configured as awireless connection (e.g., using 5G, Bluetooth, WIFI, or other wirelesstechnologies).

Once the first computer 120 and/or second computer 204 receive the framecount signal 126 a-b, 126 a(1), 126 b(1), the first computer 120 and/orsecond computer may compare by themselves or in concert (e.g., via thecross-talk bus 208) the frame count for all display elements 108 a-b,108 a(1), 108 b(1) in the display 104 a-b to ensure that the framecounts are equivalent. This comparison may also be extended to determinewith individual displays 104 a-b are also synchronized (e.g., determineif display 104 a is synchronized with 104 b).

If upon comparing the frame counts for the different display elements108 a-b, 108 a(1), 108 b(1), it is determined that the display elements108 a-b, 108 a(1), 108 b(1) are not correctly in sync, the firstcomputer 120 and/or second computer 204 may alter the video stream to besent to the one or more display elements 108 a-b, 108 a(1), 108 b(1) soas to synchronize the display elements 108 a-b, 108 a(1), 108 b(1). Forexample, for a display 104 a that has one display element 108 a that istwo frames ahead of the other display element 108 b, the first computer120 may pause the one display element 108 a for two frame updateperiods, synchronizing the display elements 108 a-b to each other.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for synchronizing a display 104configured with two display elements 108 a-b, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure. The method 600, or one or more stepsof the method may be utilized by the system 100, 200, 300.

In some embodiments, the method 600 includes a step 604 of generatingfirst pixel data for a frame of a first video signal 112 a and secondpixel data for a frame 400 of a second video signal 112 b, wherein thefirst video signal 112 a and the second video signal 112 b are to besynchronized. The first pixel data and second pixel data contain thedata to be imaged on the first display element 108 a and the seconddisplay element 108 b, respectively. For example, the first pixel dataand the second pixel data may include navigation data that the firstcomputer 120, or other system 300 component, receives from sensors andtransformed into pixel data comprising frames 400.

In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes a step 608 ofstoring synchronized frame count data into the blanking region of eachframe 400. For example, the first computer 120 and/or second computer204 (e.g., or other system 300 component) may insert an 8-bit framecount number (e.g., 01010101) into one of the vertical back porch 408,vertical front porch 412, horizontal back porch 420, or horizontal fromporch 416 of the blanking region of the frame 400. Importantly, theframe count data for each frame to be displayed on the first displayelement 108 a and the second display element 108 b. For example, a frame400 to be displayed on the first display element 108 a at the same timeas a frame 400 to be displayed on the second display element 108 b wouldhave identical frame counts (e.g., the first frame count data and thesecond frame count data is correlated), and be stored in the blankingregion of each specific frame.

In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes a step 612 oftransmitting the first video signal 112 a to the first display element108 a, and the second video signal 112 b to the second display element108 b. Either the first computer 120 or the second computer 204 can sendeither the first video signal 112 a or the second video signal 112 b tothe respective display element 108 a-b.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a step 616 ofdisplaying the pixel data on a display 104 a-b. The displayed pixel data(e.g., comprising the first pixel data from the first display element108 a and the second pixel data from the second display element 108 b)comprises the image to be displayed. When the first pixel data and thesecond pixel data are displayed together, and the frame count data fromthe first video signal 112 a (e.g., the first frame count data) isequivalent to the frame count data from the second video signal 112 b(e.g., the second frame count data), a correct image is displayed.

In some embodiments, the method 600 includes a step 620 of transmittingthe frame count signals 126 a-b, 126 a(1), 126 b(1) from the firstdisplay element 108 a and the second display element 108 b to the firstcomputer 120 or second computer 204. The frame count signals 126 a-b,126 a(1), 126 b(1) contain frame count data and may be sent from thedisplay elements 108 a-b, 108 a(1), 108 b(1) to the first computer 120and/or second computer 204. The transmission of the frame count data maybe accomplished via any wireline or wireless technology including butnot limited to ethernet, USB, Bluetooth, or WIFI technologies.

In some embodiments, the method 600 includes a step 624 of comparing theframe count data, and determining if the display elements 108 a-b aresynchronous. The comparison and determination may be performed byprocessors 128 in the first computer 120 and/or second computer. Forexample, a processor 128 in the first computer may receive nearinstantaneous frame count data from the first display element 108 a andthe second display element 108 b and compare the two frame counts. Ifthe counts do not match, the system 100 will determine that the firstdisplay element 108 a and the second display element 108 b are notsynchronous.

In some embodiments, the method 600 includes a step 628 of adjusting atleast one of a first video stream (e.g., of the first video element 108a) or a second video stream (e.g., of the second video element 108 b) ifthe first frame count signal 126 a and the second frame count signal 126b are not equivalent (e.g., the first display element 108 a and thesecond display element 108 b are not synchronous). For example, thefirst computer may delay the first video stream by two frames if acomparison of the frame count signal by the first computer 120 and/orsecond computer 204 determines that the first video element 108 a isahead of the second video element 108 b by two frames.

The method 600 may be performed by any system 100, 200, 300 as describedherein, and may be performed by the first computer 120 alone, or inassociation with the second computer. For example, instruction in thememory 132 of the first computer 120 may cause one or more of theprocessors 128 to generate the first video signal and the second videosignal; transmit the first video signal to the first display element;transmit the second video signal to the second display element; receivethe first frame count data from the first display element; receive thesecond frame count data from the second display element; and compare thefirst frame count data to the second frame count data; and adjust atleast one of the first video stream or the second video stream if thefirst frame count data and the second frame count data are notequivalent.

In some embodiments, the system 300 is configured for 3D display. Forexample, the system 300 may be configured for 3D display and includeoptical glasses (e.g., spectacles or goggles) configured with opticalshutters. For instance, the displays 104 a-b or display elements 108 a-bof the system may be synchronized with each other and with a pair ofoptical shutters providing the desired 3D image (e.g., the glassesconferring a three-dimensional image to a user based on a synchronicityof the optical shutters with the first display element 108 a and thesecond display element 108 b.

In some embodiments, the frame 400 is also embedded with a frameidentifier that is monitored by the first computer 120 and/or secondcomputer 204 to ensure that the correct frames are displayed. Forexample, a frame 400 for to be shown on a left display element (e.g.,display element 108 a) may have the term ‘left display’ embedded intothe blanking region of the frame 400.

The system 300 may utilize any video format. For example, the system 300may utilize ARINC 818 and/or SMPTE 292M video formats commonly used inaviation. The ARINC 818 and SMPTE 282M formats allow for non-pixel data(e.g., ancillary data) to be communicated along with pixel data. Forexample, the non-pixel data may be communicated to the display 104 a-bduring the vertical back porch 408 time interval.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the methods disclosed hereinmay include one or more of the steps described herein. Further, suchsteps may be carried out in any desired order and two or more of thesteps may be carried out simultaneously with one another. Two or more ofthe steps disclosed herein may be combined in a single step, and in someembodiments, one or more of the steps may be carried out as two or moresub-steps. Further, other steps or sub-steps may be carried in additionto, or as substitutes to one or more of the steps disclosed herein.

Although inventive concepts have been described with reference to theembodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, equivalents maybe employed and substitutions made herein without departing from thescope of the claims. Components illustrated and described herein aremerely examples of a system/device and components that may be used toimplement embodiments of the inventive concepts and may be replaced withother devices and components without departing from the scope of theclaims. Furthermore, any dimensions, degrees, and/or numerical rangesprovided herein are to be understood as non-limiting examples unlessotherwise specified in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a display configured todisplay an image in a video format, comprising: a first display elementcommunicatively coupled to a first computer configured to: receive afirst video signal of a first video stream, wherein the first videosignal comprises: first pixel data; and first frame count data; andtransmit the first frame count data; a second display element coupled tothe first computer configured to: receive a second video signal of asecond video stream, wherein the second video signal comprises: secondpixel data; and second frame count data; and transmit the second framecount data, wherein the first frame count data is correlated to thesecond frame count data, wherein the first pixel data and the secondpixel data comprise image data that, when imaged on the display and thefirst frame count data and the second frame count data are equivalent,displays the image; and the first computer comprising: one or moreprocessors; and a memory with instructions stored thereon, wherein theinstructions, upon execution by the one or more processors, cause theone or more processors to: generate the first video signal and thesecond video signal; transmit the first video signal to the firstdisplay element; transmit the second video signal to the second displayelement; receive the first frame count data from the first displayelement; receive the second frame count data from the second displayelement; compare the first frame count data to the second frame countdata; and adjust at least one of the first video stream or the secondvideo stream if the first frame count data and the second frame countdata are not equivalent.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: asecond computer communicatively coupled to the first display element andthe second display element configured to: transmit the first videosignal to the first display element; transmit the second video signal tothe second display element, receive the first frame count data from thefirst display element; and receive the second frame count data from thesecond display element; and a cross-talk bus configured tocommunicatively couple the first computer to the second computer.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first video signal is configured toarrange into a first frame comprising: an active pixel area configuredto include the first pixel data; and a blanking region configured toinclude the first frame count data.
 4. The system of claim 3, whereinthe blanking region comprises: a horizontal back porch; a horizontalfront porch; a vertical front porch; and a vertical back porch; whereinthe first frame count data is included in at least one of the horizontalback porch, the horizontal front porch, the vertical front porch, or thevertical back porch.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the firstblanking region comprises a vertical back porch, wherein the verticalback porch includes the first frame count data.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the frame count data includes a frame number.
 7. The systemof claim 6, wherein the frame number is based on a frame count wordsize, wherein the frame count word size is configured in a range from 1bit to 16 bits.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the video format isconfigured as a ARINC 818 video format or a SMPTE 292M video format. 9.The system of claim 1 further comprising spectacles configured withoptical shutters synchronized with the first display element and thesecond display element, wherein the spectacles are further configured toconfer a three-dimensional image to a user based on a synchronicity ofthe optical shutters with the first display element and the seconddisplay element.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the second computeris activated upon a malfunction of the first computer.
 11. A method tosynchronize a display configured with two display elements comprising:generating first pixel data for a frame of a first video signal andsecond pixel data for a frame of a second video signal, wherein thefirst video signal and the second video signal are synchronized; storingsynchronized frame count data into a blanking region of each frame;transmitting the first video signal to a first display element and thesecond video signal to a second display element; displaying the pixeldata on the first display element and the second display element;transmitting the frame count signals from the first display element andthe second display element to a first computer or second computer;comparing the frame count data and determining if the first displayelement and the second display elements are synchronous; and adjustingat least one of a first video stream or a second video stream if thefirst display element and the second display element are notsynchronous.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the blanking regioncomprises: a horizontal back porch; a horizontal front porch; a verticalfront porch; and a vertical back porch; wherein the first frame countdata is included in at least one of the horizontal back porch, thehorizontal front porch, the vertical front porch, or the vertical backporch.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein comparing frame count dataincludes comparing frame count data received on the first computer withframe count data received on the second computer.
 14. The method ofclaim 11 wherein the second computer is activated upon a malfunction ofthe first computer.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprisingsynchronizing the first display element and the second display elementto a pair of optical shutters.